Culturally Responsive Resources

Culture plays a role not only in communicating and receiving information, but also in shaping the thinking process of groups and individuals. It is critical that advocacy efforts acknowledge, respond to, celebrate, and honor the cultures, experiences, and perspectives of individuals and families, not only to support them more effectively, but to support equitable access to victim services as well. The following documents, podcasts, toolkits, and webinars were selected because of their potential to help further understanding of the diverse populations across Michigan advocates encounter and endeavor to support every day.

Black Women and Sexual Assault
Infosheet from The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community on the prevalence of sexual assault for Black women and cultural considerations that impact healing and justice.

Intimate Partner Violence in the Black Community
Infosheet from The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community on the prevalence of intimate partner violence in the Black community with specific considerations for homicide, stalking, and rape.

Supporting a Recently Traumatized Youth in a Crisis of Dissociation and Self-Harm
Samantha is a 15-year-old African American girl who was sexually assaulted by her boyfriend’s male friends at a party at which she, usually a non-drinker, became intoxicated and passed out. Samantha has no memory of the assault and was referred to a female therapist, Dr. Sofia Mattei, by a sexual assault counselor who met with her at the hospital. This webinar from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network presents Samantha’s first therapy session with Dr. Mattei. NOTE: You must create an account to access this webinar. [90 minutes]

Survivors on the Margins of the Black Community Webinar Series: Centering the Needs of Youth and Children Survivors
A part of the “Survivors on the Margins of the Black Community Webinar Series”, this training by the Women of Color Network discusses the unique needs of Black children and youth experiencing sexual violence and how service provider biases may impact their healing. [60 minutes]

Therapy for Black Girls- Healing After a Sexual Assault
The host, Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, is joined by guest therapist, Dr. Shena Young, to discuss terminology relevant to sexual assault, misunderstanding about consent, historical implications that shape reporting and treating sexual assaults, and the need for culturally specific and trauma-informed practices. Linked to Spotify, but available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. [54 minutes]

Therapy for Black Girls- Healing After Childhood Sexual Abuse
Some studies suggest as many as 60% of Black girls experience a sexual assault by the age of 18. Dr. Joy Harden Bradford is joined by Jessica Lang, LMFT, and they discuss some of the common concerns that come up for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, what treatment might look like, how to deal if your child comes to you with a report of abuse. Linked to Spotify, but available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. [35 minutes]

Therapy for Black Girls- What Every Parent Should Know About Perpetrators of Child Sexual Abuse
Spurred by the “Surviving R. Kelly docu-series, this episode focuses on helping parents to be more aware of what they should know about how perpetrators of child sexual abuse continue to victimize children. Linked to Spotify, but available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. [43 minutes]

Beyond the Wheel: Domestic Violence in LGBTQ Communities

Presented by the NW Network of Bi, Trans, Lesbian and Gay Survivors of Abuse. This webinar centers on the importance of building awareness of the context of LGBTQ people’s lives as a key component in supporting creative, effective advocacy with LGBTQ survivors. Through story sharing and examples, we discuss the strengths, vulnerabilities and barriers LGBTQ survivors face in navigating systems and communities, as well as address the unique considerations for safety planning and advocacy rooted in the lived experiences of LGBTQ survivors.

LGBTQ Survivors of Sexual Violence

Prepared by the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network. Overview of how sexual violence affects the LGBTQ community, provides survivor stories, and ways to support LGBTQ survivors, as well as a list of resources.

Serving Trans and Non-Binary Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence

Prepared by VAWnet, An Online Resource Library on Gender-Based Violence. This collection offers guidance on how to provide accessible, culturally responsive, and affirming services to survivors of all genders. It includes resources that explain the importance of pronouns and outline some key concepts and terms relating to gender identity and expression. Additionally, this collection cites recent research illustrating the broad scope of violence against trans individuals and communities, particularly for people who live at the intersections of multiple forms of oppression, and addresses the failure of systems to properly support survivors in these communities. It directs service providers to some helpful tools and guidance for promoting inclusivity and advocating for trans survivors within domestic and sexual violence organizations.

Resources for Serving LGBTQ Elders

Prepared by the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging, the resource library offers a host of information for advocates working with LGBTQ+ elders.

The Vulnerabilities of LGBTQ and Homeless Youth to Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation
This session will address lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning youth; young men who have sex with men; and young women who have sex with women who are victims of human trafficking, experiencing homelessness, or engaged in survival sex. The session will discuss the delivery of trauma-informed, gender-sensitive, and inclusive services, and how service providers can advocate to improve their experiences with law enforcement, the criminal justice system, and the child welfare system.

LGBT Services

This session features Nadia Swanson, LMSW, Coordinator of Training and Advocacy at the Ali Forney Center and Melissa Brockie, MSW, New Day Center Director at UMOM. Participants gain information on how to incorporate best practices and strategies for meeting the needs of LGBT clients, ensuring safety and confidentiality while building community partnerships to better serve this population, particularly for those who have experienced human trafficking and/or homelessness.

Who Are Transgender People? Transgender Basics for Victim Service Providers
Fact sheet for advocates working with people who are transgender.

Courageous Spirit: The Effects of Historical Trauma on AI/AN Communities

This session will identify the historical and traditional ways that domestic and sexual violence were addressed in American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities prior to colonization and how historical experiences persist to have residual trauma in the community. Recommendations will be provided to improve advocacy for native communities that have been affected by domestic and sexual violence.

The Impact of Human Trafficking in Native and Tribal Communities

This webinar, featuring Nicole Matthews, Executive Director, Minnesota Indian Women’s Sexual Assault Coalition, and Em Loerzel, MSW, Project Beacon Program Manager, American Indian Center of Chicago provided an overview of human trafficking in Indian country and urban population centers, discussing what sex and labor trafficking look like for the American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) population, and the culturally appropriate resources available to better serve victims. It also included approaches for “mainstream” responders and service providers to identify and outreach to, largely invisible, AI/AN victims and work with urban AI/AN organizations to engage victims and provide services.

Developing and Implementing a Response to Sexual Assault in Tribal Communities

The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), in partnership with the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) and Indian Health Service (IHS), held a National Roundtable Discussion on Sexual Assault in Indian Country with a multidisciplinary group of professionals with expertise in developing, implementing, or enhancing a sexual assault response in tribal communities. Through the report generated from that discussion, OVC, OVW, and IHS seek to share lessons learned and practical guidance from the roundtable participants, including tribal governments and responders to sexual violence.

Tribal Elder Protection Team Toolkit: Developing Your Team

Presenters Jacqueline S. Gray and Sloan M. Henry of the National Indigenous Elder Justice Initiative review the new Tribal Elder Protection Team Toolkit, a resource designed to assist tribal communities in developing tribal elder protection teams (EPT).
The toolkit aims to help identify vested partners or potential EPT members to help respond to elder abuse in Indian Country. The speakers will cover each section of the EPT Toolkit, how to develop a tribal EPT and Tribal Elder Protection Codes, selecting team members, and additional tips on culturally sensitive and appropriate practices commonly accepted in tribal communities.

Sacred Sites Training Video

This training video for federal employees and contractors was developed in coordination with subject matter experts from across the Federal Government, Indian Country, Academia and Tribal Advocacy Groups. This training was finalized in Fall 2016 with assistance from the Department of Justice’s National Indian Country Training Initiative.

Special Collection: Cultural Competency/Humility & Ally-Building in Indian Country

This Special Collection is developed to support cultural competency/humility initiatives, and educational or research projects requiring Native specific information and resources. The Special Collection provides background reading, research, organizational information, ally-building and cultural competency resources focused on Indian Country and domestic and sexual violence.

Special Collection: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls

This Special Collection is developed to highlight the issues, concerns, recommendations and resources for addressing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) within our communities. The Special Collection organizes information, resources, tips, and curricula drawn from the wealth of information gathered from partner organizations, experts from the field, and other allies from the web.

Colonization, Homelessness, and the Sex Trafficking of Native Women

This paper seeks to illustrate the impact of human trafficking on Native women and girls in our times, with particular attention to the historical context in the United States and the interconnection between trafficking and housing instability. [11 pages]

Full Faith and Credit, Protection Orders and Safety for Native Families

This document describes the Full Faith and Credit provision under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which requires every court in the United States to recognize and enforce valid protection orders of other courts. [8 pages]

Garden of Truth-The Prostitution and Trafficking of Native Women in Minnesota

This document assesses the life circumstances and needs of Native women in prostitution in Minnesota, a group of women who are at extremely high risk for violence and emotional trauma, and who have not previously been studied in research such as this. [72 pages]

Sexual Violence Against Women and Children in Indian Country Fact Sheet

A fact sheet developed by the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center about sexual violence against Native women and children. [2 pages]

Strong Families Respect Each Other: What Native Youth Need to Know About the Connection Between Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence

This booklet contains definitions on domestic violence and sexual assault, examples of sexual assault, myths and truths about sexual assault, what to do if you have been sexually assaulted, what to do if you know or think a friend or family member has experienced sexual assault, our power as life-givers and cool apps that can help prevent violence. [12 pages]

Violence Against American Indian and Alaska Native Women and Men Fact Sheet

A fact sheet developed by the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center about sexual violence against Native men and women. [1 page]

Crime Victims in Indian Country and the Rights They are Owed

This presentation by the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center will address the need for advocacy and the necessity of providing victims of crime in tribal communities with the rights they are owed pursuant to federal and tribal law. The speaker will cover the federal Crime Victims’ Rights Act and relevant tribal codes. [75 minutes]

Mending the Rainbow: Working with the Native LGBT/Two-Spirit Community

This webinar from the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center is designed for tribal communities and provides culturally based responses to the needs of Native lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender and/or two-spirit (LGBT/2S) survivors. Violent victimization among Native LGBT/2S individuals is a critical issue that service providers must be made aware and how to assist with victims from this specific population. [75 minutes]

Special Collections: WAS Talks

This Special Collection, made by the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center and inspired by TED Talks, consists of the stories of fifteen women who spoke their truths at the 2018 Women Are Sacred conference. [Fifteen videos between 3-30 minutes]

Tille Black Bear Women Are Sacred Day: Call to Action to be a Good Relative

This celebratory webinar highlights the milestones leading up to and since the passage of the Violence Against Women Act in 1994 for Tribal Nations and Alaska Native Villages. It shares the voices of key players in the implementation of this vital legislation. [90 minutes]

Sliver of a Full Moon Screening and Panel Discussion

Presented by DVS on October 29, 2020. A special screening of Sliver of a Full Moon in honor and observance of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Sliver of a Full Moon is a powerful production that shines light on the fight to include protections for Native women in the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). [3 hours]

Tools for Transformation: Becoming Accessible, Culturally Responsive, and Trauma-Informed Organizations — An Organizational Reflection Toolkit
The National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health (NCDVTMH) designed this Tool for organizations serving survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their children. Its purpose is to support organizations in their efforts to become more accessible, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed (ACRTI) in their approach and services.

National Center for Cultural Competence
Website to increase the capacity of health care and mental health care programs to promote health and mental health equity with resources, self-assessment tools, and distance learning opportunities.
Racial Equity Toolkit from the MI Dept of Civil Rights
Step-by-step guide available to any government agency, community or organization looking to advance racial equity. The Toolkit provides an easy-to-follow process for incorporating racial equity into all decision-making and policy development.

Collaborating with Culturally Specific Organizations to End Human Trafficking, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

This webinar is part of the five-part webinar series, “Human Trafficking, Domestic Violence, and Sexual Assault: Strategies to Strengthen Community Collaboration to Respond to Survivors’ Needs,” which offers strategies, practical tips, case studies, and resources to help domestic violence and sexual assault service providers improve outcomes for human trafficking survivors. This session identifies effective collaboration strategies that leverage culturally specific resources on behalf of survivors; explains the overlap between human trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual assault; explores ways to effectively engage the justice system and community stakeholders and sustain involvement; and considers examples of partnerships to build agency capacity and enhance victim identification.

An Introduction to Culturally Specific Advocacy
Brief article outlining the three domains of culture: 1) culture of domestic violence and gender inequality, 2) culture of familial and community values and norms, and 3) culture of systems.

Healing from Collective Trauma
Brief article outlining the importance of understanding and confronting collective trauma, including colonialism, war, genocide, slavery, incarceration, terrorism, displacement, poverty, and natural or human-made disasters, and a video on post-traumatic slave syndrome.

Working With Underserved or Marginalized Survivors
Hub of resources for working to end homelessness for domestic and sexual violence survivors with key considerations for communities of color, survivors with disabilities, immigrant survivors, LGBTQ survivors, male survivors, Native survivors, re-entering survivors, survivors in rural areas, survivors who are veterans, and survivors with mental health or substance abuse challenges.

Building Understanding of the Communities We Serve

It is commonly understood that one form of oppression cannot be dismantled without working to end all forms of oppression; they are systemically and personally intertwined.

Michigan crime victims are as diverse as our state’s population and many experience oppression as part of their daily lives. It is essential that crime victim advocates actively engage in efforts to educate themselves about other cultures and communities; evaluate, reflect on, and deliberately address their own biases, prejudices, and stereotypes; and continue on their journey in becoming anti-oppressionists in their work with individuals and systems.

The following resources are not related to providing services to crime victims. They are a sampling of opportunities to learn more about communities, cultures, and history with which many might not be familiar. Knowing more can help advocates be the best they can be for those needing or desiring support during perhaps, some of the hardest days of their lives.

1619
In August of 1619, a ship carrying more than 20 enslaved Africans arrived in the English colony of Virginia. America was not yet America, but this was the moment it began. No aspect of the country that would be formed here has been untouched by the 250 years of slavery that followed. On the 400th anniversary of the fateful moment, it is time to tell the story. Linked to Spotify, but available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. [Six 45-minute episodes]

Code Switch: Anger, the Black Woman’s Superpower
A Sapphire isn’t only a jewel – it’s also cultural shorthand for an angry black woman. We look at where Sapphire was born, and how the stereotype continues to haunt black women, even successful and powerful ones. Linked to Spotify, but available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. [20 minutes]

Code Switch: The Limits of Empathy
In matters of race and justice, empathy is often held up as a goal unto itself. But what comes after understanding? Linked to Spotify, but available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. [37 minutes]

Code Switch: Claude Neal, A Strange and Bitter Crop
This story of Black resistance is about resisting the urge to forget history, even when remembering is incredibly painful. Linked to Spotify, but available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. *Content Warning: Graphic descriptions of violence* [26 minutes]

Code Switch: Ask Code Switch, What About Your Friends?
We help our listeners understand how race and its evil cousin, racism, affect our relationships. Linked to Spotify, but available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. [50 minutes]

Speaking of Racism: Healing the Impact of Colonialism
This episode of “Speaking of Racism” unpacks concepts behind colonialism, its lasting impact on all people, and the power of healing, hope, and community. Linked to Spotify, but available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. [51 minutes]

Therapy for Black Girls: Unpacking Toxic Masculinity
Dr. Joy Harden Bradford is joined by Dr. Alduan Tartt, Licensed Psychologist. They discuss what is meant by the term toxic masculinity, how it shows up in our lives, and how we can stop perpetuating it. Linked to Spotify, but available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. [37 minutes]

The Secret Lives of Black Women
Join close friends Charla Lauriston and Lauren Domino on their hunt for the ‘secrets’ that have helped black women flourish through the bullsh*t. Linked to Spotify, but available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. NOTE: Some inappropriate language. [25+ 45-minute episodes]

Healthy Bodies, Safer Sex
This resource, created by a team at Florida State University, is a comprehensive guide to safer sex, relationships, and reproductive health for trans or non-binary people and their partners. [32 pages]

Affirming Care for Transgender and Gender Expansive Youth
This webinar from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of the needs and challenges transgender and gender-expansive youth face. Presenters examine the impact of trauma transgender and gender-expansive youth may experience and how providers can build an affirming practice and environment for the youth and families that they serve. NOTE: You must create an account to access this webinar. [90 minutes]

Pronouns and Trans Individuals Tip Sheet

This tip sheet created by FORGE is designed for service providers new to the role pronouns play in trans communities. Includes how to ask about pronouns, why pronouns may differ by environment, and what pronouns some non-binary people use.

National Center for Transgender Equality
The National Center for Transgender Equality advocates to change policies and society to increase understanding and acceptance of transgender people. In the nation’s capital and throughout the country, NCTE works to replace disrespect, discrimination, and violence with empathy, opportunity, and justice. Website contains information about rights and issues central to the trans community.

PFLAG
PFLAG is the first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies. PFLAG provides support, education, and advocacy for LGBTQ communities.

Scarleteen
Since 1998, Scarleteen has been a resource for teenagers seeking information, advice, and support about sexuality, sex, sexual health, and relationships. It is an educational hub for LGBTQIA teens and young adults.

Making Gay History- Barbara Smith
For nearly half a century, Barbara Smith has been speaking truth to power – as a woman against misogyny, as an African American against racism, as a lesbian against homophobia, and as a black lesbian against those in the gay rights movement who sideline the concerns of LGBTQ people of color. Linked to Spotify, but available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. [23 minutes]

Making Gay History- Damien Martin
Damien Martin grew up in foster care and on the streets of Philadelphia, so he knew all too well about the needs of vulnerable youth. In 1979, when he and his partner, Dr. Emery Hetrick, heard about a 15-year-old gay kid thrown out of a shelter after being gang-raped, they decided to take action. Linked to Spotify, but available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. [33 minutes]

Making Gay History- Wendell Sayers
Wendell Sayers understood isolation. Born in western Kansas in 1904, Wendell was the first Black lawyer to work for Colorado’s attorney general; living openly as a gay man was not an option. Linked to Spotify, but available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. [20 minutes]

Therapy for Black Girls- GLBTQ Affirmative Spaces
The host, Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, is joined by Adrienne Michelle, LMFT, a QPOC therapist specializing in working with youth, families, and couples. They discuss the fears that members of the GLBTQ community may have in reaching out for therapy and the work that still needs to be done in the Black community to be more affirmative. Linked to Spotify, but available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. [40 minutes]